U of I exploring more independent medical college

URBANA, Ill. — The chancellor at the University of Illinois says a consulting firm is working on a report about whether the school should establish a more autonomous College of Medicine.

Chancellor Phyllis Wise says she'll share the report with UI President Bob Easter, the Board of Trustees and other groups. The News-Gazette reports Thursday (http://bit.ly/1ee72eJ ) that the report is expected to be released early next week. Wise says the firm was brought in to determine "whether or not having a more independent college of medicine is feasibly advantageous."

The report also is to look at whether the school should align with Carle Foundation Hospital as a clinical partner. Carle officials say it is an education center for medical students and its physicians teach at the medical college.